The effect of deep sea water on textural properties and microstructure of Japanese noodle (udon)

In order to clarify the effect of deep sea water on the texture of Japanese noodles (Udon), two kinds of Udon with or without deep sea water were prepared (DSW: deep sea water was added to flour in the ratio 3.9: 100, Control: 2.5% NaCl solution was used instead of deep sea water). Physical properties and microstructure of both noodles were compared after boiling for 12min. Both tensile strength and elongation of DSW were significantly higher than those of Control. This result suggested that an addition of deep sea water positively contributes to the textural properties of Udon. A natural scanning electron micrographic observation of DSW showed finer network than that of Control. Udon prepared with 2.5% NaC1 solution containing 0.04% Ca and 0.04% K showed almost same value in tensile strength and elongation as DSW, suggesting that Ca and K play a major role in the effect of deep sea water.